Even though he feels optimistic about the team's chances of progressing, Bayern Munich's coach Pep Guardiola knows the responsibility he has while coaching the German champions. According to the Spanish manager, the team must fight until the end to achieve what everyone hopes from them, since winning only local tournaments is not enough for a top team such as the Bavarian.
"I am completely convinced that my players will take their chances. I know which club I am at and know that league champions and cup winners is not enough, only the treble is enough. In order to get to the final match, you have to sort out situations like this one, and despite we don't have many players available, we have enough quality to make things happen," Guardiola said.
Guardiola wore a t-shirt supporting the cause of an Argentinian journalist who died last year.
Following criticism for the tough loss against Porto, Guardiola's future with the team has been in doubt, since some sources indicate he would consider other coaching opportunities if he failed to make it to the semi-finals. The former Barcelona coach tried to end such rumors, stating he is fully concentrated in making it to the next round of the European tournament, while he praised his players for their commitment.
"No matter what happens tomorrow, I'm 100% with this team. What all the players have done this season is extraordinary, these players will be my heroes for the rest of my life. It won't be easy, but I believe we can get to the semi-finals," Guardiola added.
The Spanish coach will not have key players available for tomorrow's match. Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery, David Alaba, Medhi Benatia and Javi Martinez will be out of commission for the second leg of the series, while captain Bastian Schweinsteiger was set to train with the team today, but his participation remains uncertain.
